Keeping data in old Database (SQL 2008) identical to new Database (SQL 2016)?

I am moving database to new server.

New server has SQL Server 2016 running, current server has SQL Server 2008.

I need to have backup/fallback plan in place for few weeks (in case something goes wrong - I can switch my application back to 2008 Server and continue working).

I am wondering is it possible to enable replication (or alternatives?) and have all transactions/merges be in sync on 2008 Instance so both databases are up to date in case I need to switch to old one?

Due to business requirements, we must be able to fall back to SQL Server 2008. This is non-negotiable.

Converted from comments:


According to Replication Backward Compatibility, Transactional Replication will not work between a 2016 Publisher and a 2008 Subscriber, but Merge Replication would be supported. Check out Merge Replication to see if that will suit your needs. – Scott Hodgin


Or Upgrade to 2014 and it will be backward compatible to 2008 for transactional replication. Once You have a steady ship, you can move ahead to later versions if needed. – Ramakant Dadhichi

StackExchange Database Administrators Q#254660, answer score: 7